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Protectionism

Implementing policies to restrict imports will safeguard domestic industries, promote self-sufficiency, and ultimately strengthen the national economy.

Overview Issues Discuss

About

  • Protectionism is a political ideology that advocates for policies designed to protect domestic industries and businesses from foreign competition. This is often achieved through the imposition of tariffs, quotas, and other trade barriers. The primary goal of protectionism is to shield local businesses, jobs, and the economy from potential harm caused by cheaper imports or unfair trade practices.

    The history of protectionism dates back to the mercantilist era of the 16th to 18th centuries, when European powers sought to accumulate wealth by restricting imports and promoting exports. This was done to achieve a favorable balance of trade, which was believed to be the key to national prosperity. The mercantilist approach was later criticized by classical economists like Adam Smith and David Ricardo, who argued for free trade based on the principle of comparative advantage.

    In the 19th century, the United States adopted a protectionist stance, implementing high tariffs to protect its nascent industries from British competition. This policy was largely successful in fostering industrial growth. However, it also led to trade imbalances and tensions with other countries.

    The Great Depression of the 1930s saw a resurgence of protectionism worldwide. Countries raised tariffs and imposed trade restrictions in an attempt to protect their economies, but these measures often exacerbated the economic downturn by stifling international trade.

    After World War II, there was a shift towards liberalization of trade, with the establishment of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and later the World Trade Organization (WTO). These institutions aimed to reduce trade barriers and promote free trade. However, protectionism did not disappear entirely and continues to be a significant factor in international trade relations.

    In recent years, there has been a resurgence of protectionist sentiments in many parts of the world. This has been driven by concerns about job losses and economic insecurity, often associated with globalization and the rise of emerging economies. While protectionism can provide short-term relief for certain sectors, economists generally agree that it can also lead to inefficiencies, higher prices, and trade wars, which can harm the global economy in the long run.

Relevant stances

Voters that identify as Protectionism are most likely to agree with these stances.

Opposing stances

Voters that identify as Protectionism are most likely to oppose these stances.

Similar ideologies

These ideologies are most similar to Protectionism.

Economic Nationalism

Prioritizing domestic businesses and industries will lead to increased economic growth, self-sufficiency, and national prosperity.

WelfareGovernment SpendingUkrainian Defense FundingEconomic StimulusMinimum Wage

Nationalism

Promoting the interests, culture, and unity of your nation to achieve a strong, prosperous, and self-sufficient society.

WelfareMandatory VaccinationsStudent Diversity TrainingForeign AidMandatory Military Service

Patriotism

A strong sense of national pride and loyalty will lead to a more unified and prosperous society.

Mandatory VaccinationsRight of Foreigners to VoteWelfareMental competency testingGender Transition

Souverainism

A nation should prioritize its own interests and maintain its sovereignty, leading to greater self-determination and independence.

Women in CombatWelfareDrug PolicyGovernment SpendingCorporate Tax

Settler Interests

Prioritizing the needs and well-being of those who establish and inhabit new territories, ensuring their prosperity and success.

WelfareSingle-Payer HealthcareMandatory Military ServiceGender TransitionMandatory Vaccinations

Cultural Nationalism

Promoting and preserving a nation's unique culture and traditions will foster unity, identity, and pride among its citizens.

Mandatory VaccinationsWomen in CombatMandatory Military ServiceTaxesCandidate Transparency

Nationalsim

Promoting the interests, culture, and unity of your country to achieve a strong, prosperous, and self-sufficient nation.

WelfareMandatory VaccinationsMandatory Military ServiceTerm LimitsMinimum Wage

Opposing ideologies

These ideologies are least similar to Protectionism.

Anarcho-Capitalism

Achieving a society where individual freedom is maximized through the elimination of government intervention and the promotion of voluntary exchanges within a free market system.

TariffsEconomic StimulusFarm SubsidiesSkilled ImmigrantsGovernment Spending

No Government

You believe individuals and communities can organize themselves voluntarily without any coercive state authority.

TariffsEconomic StimulusFarm SubsidiesMandatory Military ServiceDomestic Jobs

Minimal Government

You believe government should exist only to protect individual rights through courts, police, and national defense — nothing more.

TariffsEconomic StimulusSkilled ImmigrantsFarm SubsidiesMandatory Military Service

Objectivist

You believe rational pursuit of your own values and productivity is the moral foundation of a free and prosperous society.

TariffsEconomic StimulusMandatory Military ServiceFarm SubsidiesSkilled Immigrants

How similar are your political beliefs to Protectionism issues? Take the political quiz to find out.